Climb Mount Musala (2925m)

This extraordinary mountain experience will take you to the summit of the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, Mt. Musala. Every challenging step is rewarded when you reach the top, with magnificent views of all the major mountain ranges in Bulgaria, including the rest of the magnificent Rila.

One bucket-list-tick achieved and it’s time to move on to another as you explore one of the most famous sights in the Rila Mountains - The Seven Rila Lakes. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria, this group of seven glacial lakes is situated between 2100 and 2500m above sea level.

This breathtaking adventure includes:

• 2 days trekking
• 2-night stay in a family-run hotel
• Local, certified guide
• 2 Breakfasts and 2 dinners
• Local transfers
• Airport transfers
• All taxes, insurances and licenses relative to the trip

**Perfect for: **
Those looking to challenge themselves whilst in stunning surroundings and conquering another great peak.

Friday: Arrive in Sofia

Your guide will meet you at the Sofia Airport at 19:00 and take you to your hotel in the village of Govedartsi.

When you arrive, relax from your journey and get to know the group before a good night’s rest ahead of a big day tomorrow.

1½-2 hours driving

Saturday: Summit attempt on Mt. Musala (2925m)

You’ll be thankful for the early night this morning as it’s an early transfer to Borovets Resort, the starting point of today’s trek and eventual summit attempt on the magnificent Mt. Musala (2925m).

You’ll take the cable car to Yastrebets summit (2396m) where your route begins; the path is not particularly technical, giving you the freedom to take in some fantastic panoramic views.

You’ll negotiate a number of cirques and glacier lakes, and pass mountain shelters, all the while surrounded by magnificent views of outcrops, peaks, and deep valleys. It’s hard to believe the best views are still to come when you reach the top of Mt. Musala, whose rocky face is visible, the whole trek.

This is the highest mountain in the Balkans and when you reach the top, the views are worthy of its title; you’ll be rewarded with all the major mountain ranges in Bulgaria, including the rest of the magnificent Rila.

Take time to appreciate your surroundings as well as your achievement of conquering Bulgaria's highest mountain and even celebrate with a cup of herbal tea – trust us, it will be most welcomed by now.

With beaming smiles, you’ll make the slightly easier descent all the way back down to Borovets Resort and forward transfer back to the hotel for some much-needed R and R.

6-8 hours hiking, 25km, ascent 750m, descent 1600m

Sunday: The Seven Rila Lakes

It’s an early start this morning, so it’s breakfast on-the-go as you board the van for the transfer to Panichishte Resort.

When you arrive, you’ll take the cable car to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque and prepare to explore them one by one, starting with the Salzata. This is the highest of the seven lakes at 2500m, and gives you an amazing birds’ eye view of the beauty you’re about to explore; across the Rila lakes and out over the surrounding outcrops and deep valleys.

Don’t be mistaken by thinking a lake is a lake; each of the Seven Rila Lakes has its own distinct feature from the steep shores of the Babreka (2282m) to the distinguishable shape of the Trilistnika (2216m), and the shallow bed of the Ribnoto Ezero (2184m).

After walking and climbing a full circuit among these astonishing lakes, you’ll end your journey at the lowest of the lakes, Dolnoto Ezero (2100m), having completed an impressive 400m descent.

The drive back to Sofia Airport will take a couple of hours, so relax and look back at the countless photos you know will blow those at home away.

4-5 hours hiking

You will stay at the Krusharska house, family-run hotel in the village of Govedartsi.

The rooms are comfortable and offer en-suite facilities and free WiFi. There is also a restaurant on site.

Solo travellers automatically stay in their own single room. If you're travelling as a couple / with other people and would like to share a twin/double room please let us know when booking especially if you do not book on together.

Musala is the highest peak of Rila massif. To climb to the peak is an extraordinary mountain experience; you’ll enjoy the divine beauty of the impressive massif of Mt Rila and its highest peaks.

The Seven Rila Lakes is an undisputed Bulgarian beauty spot. This group of seven glacial lakes sits above the treeline, each with a characteristic shape and a beauty in its own right.

Sofia Airport - 19:30

Your adventure begins at Sofia Airport (SOF) with your airport transfer at 19:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time, your guide and fellow adventurers will be waiting for you in the arrivals area.

If you have the option to arrive earlier, you can get a 15 minute taxi into Sofia city centre spend time on your own, exploring the famous sites downtown. In this case, your host will arrange to pick you up in the centre of Sofia at 19:00 and transfer you to the first overnight accommodation. Just let your host know when booking.

Sofia Airport - 17:00

At the end of your adventure you will be dropped back at Sofia Airport (SOF) at 17:00. You are free to book any flight that departs after 19:00.